SARA

People say that waking up in a New York City apartment on one of the highest floors feels like being on top of the world.

Hmmm.

As the alarm clock sound drifts into my ears, I slowly open my eyes, the morning sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow on the bustling city below.

With a yawn escaping my lips, I slide down my bed, making slow steps towards the bathroom.

Getting freshen up, I swiftly get ready for the day. Today I'm wearing a beige colored pantsuit. The blazer pairs with matching trousers, crafted from the same beautiful fabric.

As I walk into the kitchen, a growling in my stomach reminds me that it's time for breakfast. The thought of a delicious sandwich begins to take shape in my mind. Without wasting any more second, I gather the necessary ingredients, carefully selecting the perfect bread and layering it with an assortment of delectable fillings.

I place the delicious sandwich in front of me and stuff a huge bite into my mouth, savoring the flavors and delightful combination of textures that brings a satisfied smile on my face. Oh, what a perfect breakfast!

I LOVE SANDWICH!

Shoving my phone into my bag, I grab my car key and step out of my apartment. I'm about to get into my car when abruptly my phone buzzes inside my bag. Taking it out, I smile. "Hey Aleena, what's up?"

"It's gonna be a crazy day. Got a meeting in 15 minutes, so just wanted to catch up with you. How's everything going on your end?" she inquires, shuffling through some papers before directing her focus towards me.

"I'm heading off to work now," I reply, settling into my car.

"Oh! Am I disturbing you by any chance Sara?"

"Nope. We can talk for 10-15 minutes no worries."

"Oh that's a relief then"

Securing my seatbelt I steal a quick glance at the screen. "Where is Aleesa, by the way?"

"She is at home. Samir will leave the office early today since I informed him I might be late. So, he will take care of Aleesa until I return," she responds promptly, her lips curving into a warm smile as she talks about her family.

I smile in response. "Cute!"

"But for now, we left Aleesa with Raisa bhabi. She is still sleeping now and later can play with Raisa bhabi's twins. But I just hope that she doesn't drive bhabi crazy." I chuckle at her words, her expression mirroring mine.

"Man, being a parent is a real struggle I can see! It can be pretty darn scary." I exclaim, still chuckling.

"Yeah, juggling your career and family as a parent ain't easy. But trust me, the feeling of being a parent is something truly special." she replies as the smile lingers on her lips.

Just as my eyes move up to the time on the phone screen, I realize I am running late. Redirecting my focus to Aleena, I give a slight wave of my hand."Anyways, I gotta go now. I'll talk to you later"

"Alright, have a good day"

Hanging up the call, I start my car. I head to my usual cafe, eager to grab my favorite coffee that I enjoy every morning before starting my day. As I park my car, a sudden jolt causes it to bump into someone else's vehicle.

Panicking, I quickly check my car, and thankfully, there is no damage. But just as I glance at the shiny Mercedes I hit, I realize it gets a noticeable scratch. Regret washes over me as I close my eyes, knowing I have caused an inconvenience.

Just then, I hear the car door open, and I brace myself for the owner's reaction. Closing my eyes once again, I inhale a deep breath and turn around to face him, ready to take responsibility and cover the cost of fixing his car. But as I look at him, my eyes widen. "You!" we both exclaim simultaneously, annoyance etched on our faces.

I am almost ready to punch him for what happened yesterday, but realizing that I have indeed caused harm to his car, I quickly compose myself, ready to face the situation.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you?" Aryan accuses, taking a step closer to me. He is dressed in formal attire, indicating that he, too, is on his way to work.

Feeling a bit intimidated, I instinctively take a step back, creating some distance between us. "I'm not like you! I would never intentionally cause harm to something or someone," I respond.

At this moment, I can sense Aryan's frustration and anger, "Are you always like this?"

"Like what?"

"Talking to people with this tone"

I scoff, "Don't worry Mr Kabir, I use this tone only for you. After all, you deserve it."

He slides his hands into his pockets, flashing me a smirk that nearly hints at his irritation with my words. "What a tough woman you are"

A sarcastic smile captures my lips, "Happy realization"

"Anyways, I'm sorry for the damage, tell me your number, I'll transfer the money to you," I say, shoving my phone out of my pocket as I want to make it clear that my actions are not deliberate.

But not getting any response from him, my eyes meet his, noticing the smirk intensifying at the edges of his lips. "Wait, is this a trick of yours? to get my number? If it is, then you could've asked me directly, you didn't need to hit my car."

His hands are still tucked away in his pockets, his confidence radiates as he proudly stands before me.

I scoff, "Not even in your dreams. Now, will you mind giving me your number, or do you prefer to bear the entire cost yourself?"

Reluctantly, he reaches into his pocket and shoves out his phone, extending it towards me to share his number.

With the matter settled, I park my car and make my way towards the cafe. But I notice him walking in the same direction as me; however, I choose to ignore his presence.

Entering the cafe, I approach the counter with a smile on my lips to place my order. "One iced americano, please," I request. It is then that I notice Aryan has the same order. Our eyes lock, exchanging irritated glances.

But abruptly our attention turns towards her as we hear her apologizing with an iced americano in her hand, "Sorry, ma'am and sir, there were only enough ingredients left for one iced americano. We had a massive order today, which is why we've run out of coffee."

"So bring more," Aryan voices with his usual cold tone.

"Yes, sir, we are working on it. However, it will take approximately half an hour." The girl replies, maintaining her composure

I glance at my tightly packed schedule, realizing that waiting for half an hour is simply not an option. I turn to the girl, my voice filled with urgency. "Um, excuse me? I've got a tight schedule. I can't wait for half an hour. So please give me this one. He will wait for his iced americano."

I reach for the iced americano, ready to claim it as my own. But abruptly another hand appears, gripping the cup.

I look up to see Aryan, his expression mirroring my own frustration. "I'm running late too," he mutters, refusing to let go of the iced americano.

Shoving out my phone, I immediately scan the code and pay for the coffee, "I've already paid for it. So this is mine." A smirk of victory appears on my lips as I observe his grip from the coffee loosening. Glancing at the girl, I smile, "Thank you."

Taking the tumbler proudly, I gaze at Aryan for one last time, "Keep waiting, Mr. Kabir," I voice before leaving the cafe.